by Jenny Chissus
Our City Manager is the President of the Board of Directors for Team Alaska, and the Arctic Winter Games has been going on all week – so I touched base with him to see how it was going and what it’s all about!
“The Arctic Winter Games is the world’s largest northern multi-sport and cultural event. The Arctic Winter Games are a celebration of athletic completion, culture, friendship and cooperation between northern contingents. Athletic competition features sports that enjoy worldwide popularity alongside traditional Arctic Sports and dene Games. A significant cultural component featuring visual arts, dance, ceremonies and galas with participants from across the circumpolar region is a pillar of the Games.” – the Arctic Winter Games site
Over 2,000 Athletes (ages 13-24) and their coaches, 2,500 volunteers, 3,000 friends and family members and over 600 VIPs and sponsors will be taking part in this year’s games in Fairbanks, Alaska from March 15-22, 2014. The contingents are from Alaska, Alberta North, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik Quebec, Greenland, Sapmi, Yamal and Yukon.
Arctic Winter Games Medal Count Friday March 21, 2014
Gazette: There are quite a few events at the Arctic Winter Games, what is your favorite sport to watch? (Check out the long list below of events in this year’s games! ) To the right I’ve put the medal count as of Friday, March 21, 2014 around 9:00pm – games still in play, and just one more day to go!
Tim: I enjoy watching all of them. Although I find things like curling, dene games,arctic sports and cultural events to be very interesting. The bottom line though there is nothing like a hockey game against Yukon, Alberta or Northwest Territories to get into the competitive spirit.
Gazette: How did you become involved?
Tim: In 2005 lt Governor Loren Lehman asked me if I would go to Kenai and put together the 2006 Arctic Winter Games. Governor Hickel, Senator Stevens and Governor Murkowski made it very difficult for me to say anything but yes. After the Games I was elected to the Board of Directors for Team Alaska. I have been the President since 2012.
Gazette: What is your role in the games?
Tim: By the time you get to the Games you hope your role is more of a dignitary, visiting with government officials from the nine contingents. As the President and CEO I deal with problems that can’t be fixed by staff. We also work on the planning for the next set of Games. All the other contingents are heavily supported by their government. In fact they have a high level cabinet position called a minister of sport. In Alaska, our structure is the Lt Gov is the states representative at the govt table and I try to assist him with policy and strategic planning. As Mead likes to call it, the view from 60,000 feet!
Gazette: Who is in the photo to the left with you (left to right) and what are their roles?
Tim: Shawn Maltby – Chef de Mission, Mead Treadwell – Lt Governor, Me and Kati Rehm – Director of Outreach
Gazette: What is your favorite part about your involvement with Team Alaska?
Tim: As a volunteer I have been given an opportunity to mold and lead an organization that impacts communities and youth statewide. I mention volunteer, because it is important for people to realize that there are only two paid staff members, the rest of us are giving because we want to. Fortunately, because of my remote location (living in Seldovia) Team Alaska takes care of my travel expenses.
Gazette: What has been the highlight of the action this year?
Tim: One of the highlights for me was after the opening ceremonies, taking the Lt Governor to meet the athletes. Watching him engage our future leaders was amazing. A future Gov or Lt Gov may be among this year’s team. Team Alaska is a Choose Respect Team. Each member took a pledge to choose respect and to stand up against people not choosing respect. Listening to these young people talk about this gives us all hope. Mead and I hosted a breakfast (see photo at right) for 285 family members of Team Alaska. It was outstanding. I had several people come up to me afterwards that wanted me to say hi to friends back in Seldovia.
Gazette: Were you there for the entire games? 15th through the 22nd?
Tim: Yes, I will be here the entire time but I sure wanted to break away and get to an Otter game at the Sully! How about them Otters? 3rd in State!
Gazette: It looks like there are 9 teams participating in the games this year – do you know how many athletes are at the games in all?
Tim: The teams are called contingents. There are approximately 2000 athletes and coaches. Team Alaska has the largest with 349. Each sport is different and it is based on a technical package. Some sports have tryouts at a central location others use qualifiers. Whatever the method they are advertised in newspaper, radio, Alaska Activities and web site. Our website is
teamalaska.org. I try not to get involved in the selection process of athletes. There are several levels in the organization, coach, sport coordinator, mission staff, chef, board. I try to have the board stick with policy and funding.
Gazette: The games are every two years, and in 2016, the games will be held in Nuuk, Greenland. Will you be working with Team Alaska for the next games?
Tim: Yes, I will be. I am currently serving on the Board until May of 2016. We have already started our planning for Greenland.
Gazette: Anything else you would like to share?
Tim: It would be so cool to see a participant from Seldovia!
Tags: Arctic Winter Games, Team Alaska, Timothy Dillon
Category: Sports
Seldovia Time
